By Jae-Ha Kim
jaehakim.com
August 16, 2006
The Frog Marsh in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, was an Internet find I booked while still in America. I picked it because it was near many of the sites I wanted to visit and owners Louise Barker and Cindy Salvin sent back charming replies to my e-mails. I honestly didn’t expect much from any place with “frog” in its name, but the price was right (between about $55 to $90 per person each night).
I’ve stayed at Four Seasons properties and the Bellagio in Las Vegas, but I can honestly say this was one of my favorite places. Maybe it was the gourmet food (about $35 for dinner; definitely try the steak roll stuffed with a generous portion of homemade haggis). Or it could’ve been the Robbie Williams book I pored over in the library, where they served high tea and cocktails (for an additional fee). But the charming (and clean!) rooms with fresh white linens and quilts made you feel as if you were still at home — a much cleaner, better decorated home than you left back in the United States.
When you’re this far off the beaten path, it really does help to have a rental car. Some of you might be squeamish about driving in a foreign country on the other side of the road. But the Scots are such gracious drivers that navigating even the reverse roundabouts were a breeze. When I stopped to ask for directions, the cabbies and pedestrians alike would take the time to direct me to my destination — and no one honked or gave me the finger. Go figure.
There are plenty more bed and breakfast options at www.aboutscotland.com, which is where I found Frog Marsh.
To Tip or Not to Tip:
Let’s face it: The United States is one of the most tip-happy countries in the world. You tip maids, servers and doormen. But when you’re in a foreign country, what do you do? The locals always will tell you if natives tip or not. I remember the Kiwis rarely tipped in New Zealand and then only if service was extraordinary. The policy also seems to hold true in the United Kingdom. Cheapskates on a budget may revel at not being expected to tip. But the problem is that while locals don’t expect tips from their fellow countrymen — or perhaps even from other Europeans — they’ve come to expect them from Americans, who tend to tip out of habit automatically. Just keep in mind the exchange rate when you’re tipping (or paying for anything for that matter). The British pound was worth almost $2 when I was there and I had to remember that a 3-pound tip was almost $6. No wonder the cab drivers loved me so much.
* Please note that prices change often, so contact the hotel prior to finalizing your trip.
Just the facts: Frog Marsh Bed & Breakfast, Mossat AB33 8PL Scotland; info@frogmarsh.com
From their website:
Idyllic Bed & Breakfast situated in the heart of Aberdeenshire. Surrounded by stunning scenery, peace and tranquility is found in abundance. Perfect getaway for a romantic weekend or for the more active spend longer and take in some hill walking in some of the finest surrounding hills and mountains. Winter sport facilities supported near-by at Glen Shee with many more local attractions to keep you occupied.
© 2006 JAE-HA KIM | All Rights Reserved
